I am from China. I completed my undergraduate work in Central South University in China where I studied in Bioengineering and I completed my master program in the Department of molecular microbiology and immunology at the University of Southern California. I joined this lab in 2019 and now I am working with a bunch of nice labmates and mice. The reason I came here is that I found the “chemistry” in this lab was so great! I feel comfortable working in the lab. Outside of the lab, I really enjoy watching TV shows, reading, and playing games (and eating).
My Project
My project is related to craniofacial development. During the early development of embryos, the progenitors of the calvarial bone stem cells emerge from the region above the eye and migrate apically and laterally, which supports the basis for apical expansion of the calvarial bones and maintenance of the cranial suture patency. We are investigating the relationship between the graded fibronectin expression and the apical expansion of calvarial bones and the patency of the cranial sutures, which are the junctions between skull bones. We found that disruption of fibronectin expression would cause patent fontanelle and premature fused suture, known as craniosynostosis. Completion of this project would help people understand the mechanisms of the skull bone development and the pathology underlying craniosynostosis and related diseases.
Working model for my project on the role of fibronectin (FN) in controlling directional movement of calvarial osteoblasts towards the apex.
Calcein green in mineralized bone (green) and Osx/Sp7 (red) expression in calvarial osteoblasts in transverse section of the mouse embryonic head.
Alizarin red staining of mineralized frontal and parietal bones and the coronal suture between them in transverse sections of mouse embryos.